Hello,
I'm yet another soon to be owner of a Mirage, this will be my first kayak (I will be using it for fishing, & sailing) I'm trying to decied between buying a "Sport" or "Outback". I'm a bit concerned about the size & weight of the Outback, if I'm by myself during loading & un-loading from car roof top. Also Please share your opinion on those 2 Kayaks in general, for the above mentioned use. If the "Sport" will do it ALL for me, then that would be fine. I just don't want to buy one and then wish I would have picked the other.

We got a Sport and an Outback in June, 2005 and used them extensively in Long Island Sound and in various lakes in the area. Both are exceptional boats, especially where fishing is concerned (our major interest). We also did a little sailing.

Both will work for you...the major cosideration is size/weight. My significant other is 5'4" and 105 #. She demo'd the OB and found that she was too light to get it to sit on the sponsons, therefore, a tippy ride. She is very happy with the Sport. I'm 5'10" and 215#. I am a bit too heavy for the Sport...rides too low in the water with me on board. The OB works great for me (though I would also take a hard look at the new adventure, especially if I am going to use it primarily in big waters/salt/sailing).

As for loading, there are a number of options, rack-wise, that would let you load any of them with relative ease.

The outback is merely 12lbs more than that of the sport, yet it is approximately 2’ ½” feet longer and 4 1/2” wider. The Outback offers a larger weight capacity at 400lbs, as apposed to the Sport at 245lbs. Each boat is favorable in a within its own set of circumstances. For example, if you are continually fishing areas that are relatively remote, hard to get to, or fish; it may be to your advantage to look towards purchasing the Sport due to its strategically compact design. It is lightweight, and due to its overall length it has a sharper turning radius than that of the Outback. On the other hand if this isn’t a big concern you may want to consider the Outback. It bolsters a larger weight capacity, and a longer waterline which enables you to track better and carry more gear out on the water.

Both boats are excellent for what they were designed to do. What you have to decide for yourself is how you are going to use the boat, where you are going to use it, and how much gear (weight) you are going to carry.

As far as height and weight, as a determination of OB or Sport, I'm 5'-10" & between 165 & 173 lbs., which Mirage do you think would suit my size better ?

Other questions I'm starting to have ( the more I read ).

Its a lot of money to spend if you have problems soon after buying a Hobie,such as "leaks" ,"cracks","thin spots" ,etc.
How long have people had their Hobies [i]without problems[/i] ?
I don't mind the $$ but mine are hard earned and I don't want to be sorry.

With your size and weight, I think either Sport or Outback would work equally well for you. Personally, I like the bigger OB better (not just because I'm a "tad" too heavy for the Sport). Also, again, with the various rack options, don't decide based on loading/offloading.

I really don't think you should have a lot of concern over the "crack" thing. I, unfortunately, did have a crack in my OB in the drive insert area. I got my replacement from Hobie in about 3 weeks. In the interim, I "repaired" the crack with duct tape and had no problems. (My OB was the Sand color which for some reason seems to be, or was, the main problem. I now have a red that has not been in the water yet...waiting until Spring.)

Where and how I'll use it.....
Southern Calif. Lakes, and ocean back bays (no heavy stuff ).
Fishing for Large mouth bass, trout, or whatever bites.
I'm also intregued with the sail option (for faster point A to point B transportation, as well ).
My wife wants to sail .... but she would need a sport for sure.
We WILL need his and hers. (no fish guts on the sail boat.....if ya know what I mean)

Hey CB,
First off, welcome to the Hobie Forum, in case we forgot that! Like DrWilki, I have one of each. Here is my evaluation of the size issue. If you are over 6 feet in height, or over 200 lbs, or have an inseam length over 32 inches, you probably won't be happy with the Sport--get the OB (or the Adventure!).

At about 5-11, and 175 lbs, inseam of 30 inches, I can fit either. However, I have been using my (wife's) Sport almost exclusively for fishing lately since the difference in weight makes it a lot easier on my bod, and I kind of like the minamalist approach the Sport forces on me--there just isn't enough room on the Sport to carry all the junk I used to carry on the OB. Not only do I NOT miss all the gear, I can do eveything on the Sport that I can do on the OB (except maybe overnite camping), so no big ting. Just my $.03 worth (I added a penny extra for my experience level with both!)

Its a lot of money to spend if you have problems soon after buying a Hobie, such as "leaks" ,"cracks","thin spots" ,etc.How long have people had their Hobies without problems ?I don't mind the $$ but mine are hard earned and I don't want to be sorry.

We love the products we sell and we want to share them with the World. When you have a problem with our products, we feel absolutely responsible and understand the frustration on a personal level. As many posts attest to...we will stand behind our products.

A couple of points that are important here. The problems people have had are not wear related. They are not design or function flaws. The problems are unfortunate production or materials issues.

As most users attest... Hobie Cat will and does stand behind the product. If you purchase a Hobie, we will be sure you get to enjoy it defect free.

CBass,
It seems to be a recurring theme but I am also the owner of both an outback (mine) and a Sport (hers).
I am too heavy at 100 kg (220lb) for the Sport. I tried to use it more than the outback at the beginning, as I appreciated the ease of use, it fits through the door into the shed while on its trolley.
However, the outback is THE boat for fishing. I find it much better. I have an esky (ice box?) that fits behind the seat perfectly, and the extra length
means I am actually a bit faster than my missus when we are sailing .

I also had a crack in the hull, where the mirage drive fits. But the hull was replaced immediately, no questions asked.
(The problem is well documented and is a problem of the past - should only affect used hulls not new ones).

I also suffered a broken chain on the mirage drive, it was replaced immediately.

I also had a worn out rudder string, but this was caused by overtightening of the rudder pull down string. Replaced immediately.

When I first bought the Hobies in Jan 2005 I got home to discover that one of the eskys was crushed, obviously during transit from Canada to Australia. The vendor (Sunstate Hobie) immediately sent me a replacement by courier and I sent the crushed one back.

If you expect perfect equipment in every detail every time, then maybe you should buy a surf ski or something. The Hobie is cutting edge, the on-going development is exciting, the product is amazing, the service has been extraordinary, and I live in Australia! What else do you want?

Hey CB, I too am a rookie when it comes to kayaking. The wife our four kids and I spend much of our Free time doing water activities. I own a 26' trailer sailer and two pwc's and have had various other boats. My 11yr old son and I went down to San Diego and test drove the adventure, outback and the sport @ fastlane sailing center (Super Great People). I'll Have to say that The sport seemed alittle too small for me ( I'm 5'9" 189lbs inseam 31") it felt like i couldn't make full pedal strokes. The outback was alittle wobbly for my son, as he is alittle light in it but I think he will eventually grow into it . I liked the adventure and the outback both and had trouble deciding which to get. So i decided to get both of them , that way I wouldn't have any regrets. I left a deposit on them and should be picking them up in a week. can't wait to try them out Good luck deciding, baldyaker

Hey by,
Tht is certainly one way to "decide" between the OB and the BigA--get one of each!. However, I have to say that the Sport would be perfect for your 11 year old son, at least while he is "growing into" either the OB or the A. In fact, a Mirage drive yak for kids and smaller adults was the driving force for Hobie to design the Sport in the first place. I have gotten to the point that I have been putting more time in my (wife's) Sport than my OB as of late, even though it is a bit cramped for me compared to the OB. Have a blast with your new boats, and I know you will!
Best,
Dick

Dick,
My son really does want the sport I guess i'm alittle torn between the sport and the OB as we will be doing alot of camping And fishing from them (We'll be packing lots of gear) . I guess if I had the means I'd probably could buy the whole fleet or close to it with 6 of us in our family.but the rest of the crew aren't really as interested as my son and me. I'll probably try and test drive them again before I make my final decision.
thanks for the input, BW